Aptitude Tests

References
• Sá fá r, Anna and Kormos, Judit. 2008. Revisiting problems with foreign language aptitude. International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching, 46 (2). pp. 113-136. • Cook, Vivian. 2000. Second Language Learning and Language Teaching. Shanghai: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. • Ellis, Rod. 1999. The Study of Second Language Acquisition. Shanghai: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press • Lightbown, Patsy M. and Spada, Nina. 2011. How Language are Learned. Oxford University Press. • Robinson, Peter. 2005. Aptitude and Second Language Acquisition. NJ: Cambridge University Press. • Skehan, Peter.1989. Individual Differences in Second-Language Learning. London: Edward Arnold.
1) Should communicative competence be included?
In the past, communicative competence might not aught to be included in the aptitude test because of various constraints; however, in the 21st century, with the application of more communicative teaching methods and the higher requirements of the society, it should be taken into consideration.
(Vivian Cook)
2) Is it correct to view aptitude “globally”?
It might cause inaccuracy to put equal emphasis on every aspect of language aptitude in the test, because it is possible that one poorer ability can be compensated by another one which is extremely good.
Problems with th tests
1) Should communicative competence be included?
2) Is it correct to view aptitude “globally”?
1) Should communicative competence be included?
Teaching methods are changed from grammar translation and audiolingual methods to more communicative ones. (Patsy & Nina) “The most important problem……includes……the relevance of the traditional components of language aptitude included in the Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) in 21st century language classrooms, where language learning means more than just the acquisition of lexis and grammar.” (Anna Sá fá r, Judit Kormos) “Language aptitude is related to measures of both linguistic and communicative competence.” (Horwitz 1987)
MLAT sample
Test 2
Pimsleur Language Aptitude Battery (PLAB)
4 aspects 1) Verbal ability 2) Auditory ability 3) Motivation 4) Grade point average 6 sections 1) Grade point average in academic areas
2) Interest
3) Vocabulary 4) Language analysis
5) Sound discrimination
6) Sound-symbol correspondence
Similarities & differences
“All tests are based on the view that aptitude has several components. All measure the ability to 1) identify and memorize new sounds, 2) understand the function of particular words in sentences, 3) figure out grammatical rules from language samples, 4) remember new words.” (Patsy and Nina) Motivation vs. Aptitude
3 types of successful language learners: 1) memory-based learners were usually younger and were not particularly sensitive to grammar but had good memories 2) Analytic learners were a slightly older group and were poor at memory but has good grammatical sensitivity 3) Evenly learners were good overall.
Conclusion
To some extent, the existing aptitude tests can predict success in SLA; however, limitations and shortcomings are still on the stage. Researchers should further their study in this area, improving old tests and working out new ones to better evaluate today’s language learners’ aptitude.
Problems with
Aptitude Tests in SLA
Outline
1. Introduction key term (aptitude) & research question 2. Body part Two aptitude tests Problems & Suggestions 3. Conclusion 4. References
Can aptitude tests predict success in SLA?
Test 1
Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT)
(Carroll & Sapon, 1959) 4 abilities 1) Phonemic coding ability
2) Grammatical sensitivity
3) Inductive language learning ability 4) Rote learning ability
5 sections 1) Number learning
2) Phonetic script 3) Spelling clues/Hidden words 4) Words in sentences 5) Paired associates
Suggestions for Improvement
1) Revise the tests to more strongly reflect the kind of abilities involved in basic interpersonal communicative skills, 2) Conduct research in a variety of learning contexts including informal ones, (Skehan, 1991)
2) Is it correct to view aptitude “globally”?
Peter Skehan, 1989
“……whether aptitude is best seen as a cumulative aggregation of abilities or as differentiated, thus affording more than one route to success.” a (Rod Ellis)